Keeping the Book—Caring for the Collections of Chester Beatty

8 February–1 May 2005

Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
t: 40 70 750; f: 40 70 760; email: <info@cbl.ie>

This exhibition focuses on the vital role conservation and preservation play in ensuring that the Chester Beatty collections continue to be accessible for future generations and describes the behind-the-scenes activities that make this possible. Chester Beatty based his collecting policy on "Quality, quality, always the quality", and he frequently refused to purchase items on grounds of poor condition. The majority of the collections are therefore in good condition. However, they are all vulnerable to the natural ageing process. Some of the items on display in this exhibition have already been conserved and others require urgent conservation. They include illuminated manuscripts, an embroidered Chinese dragon robe, Japanese scrolls, Egyptian papyri and Indian miniatures. A special series of lectures and tours has been scheduled to accompany the exhibition (see <www.cbl.ie/whatson/> for full details).

Mrs Jellyby's daughter: Caroline Agnes Gray (1848–1927) and the Freeman's Journal

23 March 2005
Seminar Room, National Library of Ireland, 7pm
Speaker: Mr Felix Larkin

For information about the NLI Society and how to join please contact:
Secretary, NLI Society, National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
email: <nlisociety@nli.ie>

Exhibitions/Lectures List

Keeping the Book—Caring for the Collections of Chester Beatty